A survey conducted by two Canadian eye care organizations finds that people aren’t wearing sunglasses enough which in turn can increase the risk of cataracts. The President of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society Doctor Phil Hooper says just two-thirds of Canadians regularly wear sunglasses on a sunny day or during the summer months to protect against UV rays .Hooper adds only 33 per cent wear them year-round. He explains it’s especially important for younger people to take the measures necessary to lower the risk of developing cataracts.......

“A cataract is basically a yellowing and clouding of the natural lens in the eye that acts to focus light on the film or retina in the back of the eye.  Once cataracts start to develop they continue to develop and it’s not possible at this point to stop that development so at the point when you’re younger in life and don’t have cataracts that’s when it’s important to have sun and UV protection to decrease the risk even before you’re aware you have a risk.”

Hooper says over 2.5 million Canadians are living with cataracts and while the eye disease is most common in people over 60 changes to the lens generally start around the age of 40. If left untreated cataracts can cause blindness.